Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
sTOPPinG mechanism
This pattern reduces the effectiveness of a mechanism every time it is activated. Use
a stopping mechanism when:
T IP
in formal eco-
nomics, a stopping
mechanism is also
known as a
law of
diminishing returns.
For example, beyond
a certain point, add-
ing fertilizer to a field
reduces, rather than
increases, crop yields
because it is toxic in
large quantities.
n
You want to prevent players from abusing particular actions.
n
You want to counter dominant strategies.
n
You want to reduce the effectiveness of a positive feedback mechanism.
aT T riTiOn
Players actively steal or destroy resources of other players that they need for other
actions in the game. Use attrition when:
n
You want to allow direct and strategic interaction between multiple players.
n
You want to introduce feedback into a system whose nature is determined by the
strategic preferences and/or whims of the players.
